This might be the scariest fact we've ever seen about social media. You know it's bad, but this bad? And it explains a lot about how crazy political discussions have gotten online. 0.1% of users? No really. The amount of disinformation is staggering. And what does it do to our brains? Plus: What people miss when Trump lies. When we roll our eyes, we miss the point.And - despite the challenges in front of us - why is Joe optimistic about how we can break out of the funhouse?Read "Inside the funhouse mirror factory" here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X24001313Read the Atlantic article here: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/01/january-6-justification-machine/681215/?gift=bcL26f46jRxbKrUp1kTCRFgu6En8nVf7xwPsSYEqCiU&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=shareAnd visit getrealnews.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe starts the show by remembering Jimmy Carter with a story you've got to hear to believe. Of all the interactions with presidents Joe has had - why this one with President Carter has stuck with him. And our first look ahead to 2025 - what has Joe and Alex feeling optimistic going into the New Year? Hint: It's people like you listening to this...Subscribe to Dan Gilmor's newsletter, "Cornerstone of Democracy" here: https://cornerstone.ghost.io/Read Dan Froomkin's post on Trump and the press here: https://presswatchers.org/2024/12/trump-coverage-needs-to-change-and-heres-how/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last show of 2024, Joe and Alex discuss a possible war with... checks notes... Greenland? Panama? It's just another day in the world of Trump. Why Joe thinks it's all governing by rally - and why it shows that the Trump coalition is still more fragile than many understand. Is Joe Manchin right? Is the Democratic brand toxic? Finally: What are Joe and Alex's bold predictions for 2025 and 2026 (and beyond?) Happy New Year everyone - see you in 2025! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump's going off the rails. And there's nobody left to stop him. Why his lawsuits against ABC and Ann Selzer aren't only ridiculous - they're really dangerous. And those tax cuts? Why Joe and Alex aren't holding their breaths. And how about all those tariffs bringing down inflation and gas prices? Joe thinks this might be Trump's biggest lie of all time - and that's saying something. Finally - handing Elon the keys to the government - what could go wrong? Read Dan Gilmor's newsletter, Cornerstone of Democracy, here: https://cornerstone.ghost.io/essentials-december-17-2024/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MAGA's mobilization continues. What can we do to fight back? Plus: Kari Lake at Voice of America? More yikes. And what's Joe's take on the latest from Syria? As we look ahead - what does Joe's ideal candidate for President look like for 2028? It's not a trick question. What do they need to be doing right now to build the strongest possible base? Joe has one piece of advice they can't ignore. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discussion kicks off with strategies for holding Trump accountable and the implications of his controversial cabinet appointments. Speakers reveal how fragile his coalition really is and why the next two years could lead to significant political realignment. They also examine the importance of Democratic strategies during confirmation hearings and the role of constituents in influencing Republican decisions. Finally, the conversation highlights the need for sustained civic engagement to protect democracy beyond just voting.

The discussion dives into the concept of building effective opposition rather than mere resistance in politics. There's a keen analysis of how grassroots movements can empower communities and create lasting change. The conversation highlights the need for relentless engagement in democracy, especially at local levels. They also explore the impact of media fragmentation on democratic trust and emphasize adopting proactive strategies for future challenges. Reflection on past strategies drives home the importance of continued political involvement and community building.

Yevgeny Simkin, co-founder of the innovative social media platform Sez.us, dives into the profound influence of social media on democracy. He discusses how misinformation and censorship shape public perception, drawing parallels with oppressive regimes like Russia. Simkin highlights the importance of a new social network that promotes trust and healthy discourse. The conversation also touches on innovative technologies designed to bypass censorship and enhance user accountability, all while addressing the delicate balance of free speech in the digital world.

Trygve Olsen, a savvy political analyst, dives into the post-election landscape and what lies ahead. He sheds light on Tammy Baldwin's victory and how her effective strategies reshaped voter perception. Olsen discusses the importance of connecting with diverse demographics, particularly the Latino community, and how economic concerns swayed younger voters. He advocates for building alternative communication networks to promote pro-democracy narratives and encourages active engagement in political discourse.

Joe and Alex tackle the pressing question: what's next for pro-democracy efforts? They discuss the critical need for innovative campaigning in today's digital age. Emphasis is placed on grassroots strategies that engage diverse electorates year-round. The importance of building trust and fostering civil discourse in politics is highlighted, particularly regarding relatable messaging for the working class. They also emphasize the urgency in connecting with Latino communities and responding to contemporary voter priorities.